Astra missile test-fired from LCA-Mk1A
New Delhi: The Defence Research and Development Organization’s Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) on Wednesday successfully conducted test-launch of homegrown Astra, beyond visual range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) from LCA AF-Mk1A prototype fighter aircraft, off the coast of Chandipur, Odisha.
A defence official said that the test-firing successfully demonstrated the direct hit of the missile on flying target. “All the subsystems performed accurately meeting all mission parameters and objectives.”
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Designed and developed by the DRDO, the Astra missile has a capability to engage the targets over 100km. The Astra missile is equipped with advanced guidance and navigation capabilities allows missile to destroy targets with greater accuracy.
The missile is already being operated by the Indian Air Force.
The defence official further said that the successful test-firing is a significant milestone towards the induction of LCA AF-MK1A variant.
“The success is the result of hard work by the integrated team of scientists, engineers, and technicians from ADA, DRDO, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) along with support from CEMILAC, DG-AQA, IAF, and test-range team. Further trials are planned towards the performance evaluation.”
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With a length of 3.6 metres, diameter of 178mm, and weighing 154kg, the Astra missile is designed to be mounted on fighter aircraft and has all weather day and night capability. It can travel at 4.5 Mach speed (almost hypersonic).
In 2023 also, the light combat (LCA) Tejas had also successfully fired the Astra indigenous BVR air-to-air missile off the coast of Goa.
It should be noted that the Indian Air Force had given clearance to public sector firm Bharat Dynamics Limited for the production of 200 Astra Mark 1 air-to-air missiles.
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The approval for the over Rs 2,900 crore project was granted in 2022-23 by the Defence Acquisition Council and the production clearance has been given for that order now after completion of all tests and developments.
The Astra missiles will be integrated on both the Russian-origin Sukhoi-30MKI as well as the indigenous LCA Tejas fighter aircraft after production.
